OBITUARY.

ME JOHN ROBERTS. MR J. RUDDENKLAU. The announcement of Mr John Robert's death, which occurred at the Christchurch Hospital last night, was received- in Rangiora with a genuine feeling of regret, which will also extend amongst friends in many parts of Canterbury. Mr Roberts was an early arrival in the colony, and for several years worked in Christchurch at his profession as an ironf ounder. While in the city he was a valued member of the fire brigade and one pf the artillery corps'. About twenty years -ago he removed to Rangiora 'to enter the hotel business, his house being the Club Hotel, which soon became widely known as one of the best managed places in North Canterbury. Subsequently he took the Junction Hotel, which he also carried on successfully for some years until his health failed, and ultimately he disposed of the property. Recovering, he again entered the Club Hotel, but very soon afterwards the license was cancelled as an outcome of the reduction votp carried at the local option poll. A return of bad health again incapacitated him, and his death was not unexpected, although he was able to be about up to this week. Mr Roberts did good service to this town in many ways during his residence , in it, and at the time of his death was a member of the. Borough Council. All his undertakings were-carried out with thoroughness and energy, and as a public caterer he was highly esteemed. At ten o'clock this morning the Cust district lost by death 'one of its earliest and most esteemed settlers in the persons of Mr J. Ruddenklau. The deceased took considerable interest in the public affiairs of the district, and for some, years was a member of the Board of Education. He leaves a widow aud grown-up family.